Delhi school headmistress, 3 teachers suspended after student's suicide
What's the story
The headmistress and three teachers of St. Columba's School in Delhi have been suspended after a 16-year-old student died by suicide. The student, identified as Shourya Patil, jumped off an elevated Metro station platform on Tuesday. In his suicide note, he blamed his teachers for mental harassment. His father, Pradeep Patil, has filed an FIR naming headmistress Aparajita Pal and teachers Julie Varghese, Manu Kalra, and Yukti Aggarwal Mahajan.
Investigation progress
Suspension notices issued, investigation underway
Following the incident, the school's principal, Robert Fernandes, issued suspension notices to the staff members. The notices state that they must remain available for any official communication or inquiry during their suspension. The suspended staff members are prohibited from visiting school premises or interacting with students, staff, or parents without prior written permission from administration.
Case
Boy left behind a note
Shourya had jumped off from the platform of the Rajendra Nagar Metro Station on Tuesday afternoon. He left behind a note in his schoolbag. "Sorry bhaiyya, for all the time I was rude to you...Sorry mummy, however many times I broke your heart, I'm going to do it for the last time," he wrote. "I'm sorry but teachers ne aisa kiya hai mere saath." "Give my organs to those in need," he said.
Protest planned
Shourya had confided in counselor about his suicidal thoughts
Pradeep said Shourya was mentally harassed by his teachers, who threatened expulsion and transfer certificates just days before pre-board exams. He added that Shourya had confided in a counselor about his suicidal thoughts but the school did not inform the family. "It was not just him, but three to four more kids have also been treated the same way," he said. "He used to tell me...that teachers scolded him for every small thing and emotionally hurt him," he said.
Protest
Shourya's parents have planned protest
The father also recalled an incident during a dramatics class when he slipped and fell. "The teacher (Mahajan) pushed him...insulted him in front of everyone and said he was overacting," the father said. "They scolded him so much that he started crying," he said. Shourya's parents have planned a protest outside the school on Friday. They alleged that the suspended staff members weren't asked to resign and could be reinstated once things settle down.
Government response
Delhi government orders inquiry into student's suicide
The Delhi government has ordered a high-level inquiry into Shourya's death. The Directorate of Education has formed a five-member committee to investigate the incident. Joint Director Harshit Jain will chair the panel, which is tasked with submitting a detailed report within three days. The committee aims to establish facts, circumstances, and administrative accountability related to the case.